Shopping Tips and Advice for Choosing Your Mattress

Will you spend one third of your life sleeping? If so, then you want to take extra care when purchasing a mattress. Don't just order one by mail--take time to test drive each mattress you are considering.

Go to a store that sells them; lay on each one; stretch out, curl up into a fetal position. Lay on your stomach, back and sides. Bring your favorite pillow with you to support your head and other body parts while experimenting.

People in the store might think you're weird while you are doing all this. Don't worry about what they think. It's one of those judgment calls you will have to make. Here are some more:

Can You Afford It?

Do you have enough cash? "No." Credit? "Maybe." Will the store take a personal check? "That's the ticket!"

The object here is to buy no more mattress than you can afford, and avoid buying a mattress that is so cheap and bad for your back that you could collect SSI disability when you wake up in the morning. (Hmmm, I may be on to something.)

How Big Do You Want It To Be?

After all, size does matter. Ask around if you don't believe me. King Size or Queen Size--decisions, decisions. It's too bad there is no Duke Size for really small New York apartments. If you have enough room and enough bucks, go for the King Size, baby! Otherwise, the Queen Size mattress will just have to do.

Composition of Materials

Who cares! As long as it's comfortable. Moving right along...

How Thick? How Deep?

Here again, size matters. If a mattress is thick or deep, it is likely the manufacturer added more foam to increase your level of comfort. Some mattresses have pillow-top surfaces that are stuffed with, yes, more foam--even bird feathers--awk! awk!

Since some mattresses are thicker or deeper than others, it is important to remember that all King or Queen Size mattresses are not created equal. When attempting to fit your mattress with bedding, it is always a good idea to measure its exact dimensions.

How Firm Should Your Mattress Be?

Like size and thickness, firmness is an important quality. If you prefer a really firm surface, sleep with the dog or cat, or on some plywood. If you prefer a softer surface, then seriously consider a mattress, any mattress.

If you just can't make up your mind, there are adjustable beds that allow you to adjust the firmness. There are also many good shrinks listed in the phone book and on the web. They will help you to be more decisive.

Your Bed Frame

Is it big enough? Is it thick enough? Is it firm enough to support your mattress? You know what they say, "Never build a house on a poor foundation and then spend the night there--especially if you live in New Orleans and have a weak bed frame." OK, let's move on...

What Brand Should You Buy?

There are many brand names that come to mind. Personally, I prefer whatever I can find at a garage sale. The pain of parting with my money always exceeds the pain in my back--but hey, that's just me.

You are you, and you can use the above guidelines to determine the brand that meets your needs. As a rule of thumb, always take a laid-back approach when shopping for a mattress.